Premiered: September 28, 2005

On: UPN

Starring: Kristen Bell, Percy Daggs III, Teddy Dunn, Jason Dohring, Francis Capra, Ryan Hansen, Kyle Gallner, Tessa Thompson, Enrico Colantoni, Michael Muhney, Tina Majorino, Brandon Hillock, Daran Norris, Duane Daniels, Max Greenfield, Ken Marino, Patrick Wolff, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Thornhill, Charisma Carpenter, Alona Tal, Christopher B. Duncan, James Jordan, Bradley Bufanda, Linda Castro, Amanda Noret, Erica Gimpel, David Starzyk, Jonathan Chesner, Krysten Ritter, Rodney Rowland, James Molina, Jeffrey D. Sams, Taylor Sheridan, Martin Yu, Lucas Grabeel, Jessy Schram, Cress Williams & Steve Guttenberg

By introducing a new central plot and promoting/adding a few characters while still able to manage the aftereffects of season one’s finale, Veronica Mars has a stellar second season.

On a class field trip, a bus full of students and their teacher goes over a cliff killing everyone. Veronica (Kristen Bell) – who was supposed to be on that bus – feels guilty and decides to find out who caused the crash. Wallace (Percy Daggs III) falls for new girl Jackie (Tessa Thompson).

Like the end of season one, the finale is explosive with a shocking reveal. Leading up to that, the continued drama is great. Focusing on the bus crash but still having all of the episodic mysteries allows for good tension.

Bell is once again phenomenal at handling both the scrappiness and emotional side of Veronica.

Final say: Surprises ahead. ★★★★★